MVFC Football 2026: South Dakota State Leads Pack, UNI Faces Rebuild

The Missouri Valley Football Conference is shaping up for a competitive 2026 season, with South Dakota State emerging as the preseason favorite and several Iowa programs facing pivotal years. The conference, which includes Northern Iowa and several regional rivals, will kick off in late August.

South Dakota State returns 14 offensive and 12 defensive contributors from a 9-5 team, giving the Jackrabbits the most continuity in the league. Quarterback Chase Mason, who threw for 2,005 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, leads an offense that also brings back five offensive linemen. The Jackrabbits' defense is anchored by linebackers Joe Ollman and Cullen McShane, who combined for 182 tackles in 2025.

Youngstown State, North Dakota Pose Threats

Youngstown State is projected second, powered by quarterback Beau Brungard. The dual-threat signal caller threw for 3,234 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 1,468 yards and 27 scores. The Penguins return 10 offensive contributors, including their entire starting offensive line.

North Dakota checks in at third. The Fighting Hawks bring back 11 offensive players, including quarterback Jerry Kaminski, who accounted for 34 total touchdowns last season. Defensive end Lance Rucker, who recorded 11.5 sacks, leads a unit that projects as one of the conference's best.

Southern Illinois, South Dakota in the Mix

Southern Illinois and South Dakota are tied for fourth in the projected standings. The Salukis return quarterback DJ Williams, who accounted for 40 total touchdowns in 2025. Running back Charles Pierre Jr., who rushed for 1,244 yards in 2024 before an injury-shortened 2025, returns for South Dakota.

Illinois State rounds out the top six. The Redbirds return eight offensive and nine defensive contributors, including All-American linebacker Tye Niekamp, who posted 160 tackles last season. Running back Victor Dawson, who rushed for 1,377 yards, gives Illinois State a strong ground game. However, the team must replace its starting quarterback and top wide receiver.

Northern Iowa Faces Uphill Climb

Northern Iowa is projected eighth after a 3-9 season. The Panthers return just six offensive and eight defensive contributors. Wide receiver JC Roque Jr., who caught 56 passes for 595 yards and seven touchdowns, is a bright spot. Head coach Todd Stepsis, entering his second season, has added several transfers, including linebacker Andrew Price from South Dakota State and defensive ends Axel Ramazani from Wyoming and CJ Wade from Northern Illinois.

Indiana State is projected seventh, while Murray State is picked ninth. The Sycamores return quarterback Elijah Owens, who threw for 1,717 yards and rushed for 645 yards in 2024 before injuries limited him in 2025.

Key Storylines to Watch

The MVFC race is expected to be tight among the top six teams. South Dakota State's depth and experience give it the edge, but Youngstown State's explosive offense and North Dakota's balanced roster could challenge for the title. For Iowa fans, Northern Iowa's rebuild under Stepsis will be a key storyline, as the Panthers look to climb back into contention after a difficult 2025 campaign.

The conference schedule begins in late August, with non-conference games providing early tests before the league slate heats up in October.